Ready to get hands-on and make a real impact? As a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice, you'll work on-site, learning to build, fix, and maintain the pipes and networks that keep homes and businesses supplied with clean water. You'll gain experience in both planned upgrades and emergency response, all while working towards a Level 2 Water Network Operative qualification and building a long-term career with plenty of progression opportunities.What you'll be doing as a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice: Gain hands-on experience with the water team while being fully supported throughout your apprenticeshipTrack and repair leaks and bursts; replace valves, hydrants, and stop taps; clear blockages; install and maintain meters and flow devicesSet up traffic control and safety barriers; ensure digs and reinstatements are safe and tidyOperate diggers, tools, and other powered equipmentKeep accurate job logs and safety recordsWork outdoors in all weather, across streets, homes, and building sites; shifts, standby call-outs, and physically demanding tasks, sometimes in tight spacesDevelop skills in clean-water network operations, safe digging, digital flow monitoring, teamwork, and communication Where you'll work:Location: Darenth, DA2 7SRHours: 45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30am startStart date: May 2026Training and qualification: You'll study with Watertrain, one of the UK's leading water training providers, with 2-day block release training each month at a Thames Water site.Qualification achieved: Water network operative Level 2 standardDuration: Permanent contract with a 15-18 month structured programmeWhat you should bring to the role Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1-3 (D-G) or aboveAged 18 or aboveComfortable with working outdoors in different weather conditionsGood communication skills What's?in it for you? Excellent?salary: £22,500 annumAnnual Leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)Work towards completing Level 2 English and Maths during the programmePerformance-related pay plan?directly linked?to company performance measures and targets ? Generous Pension Scheme through AONAccess to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family's health and wellbeing, and your finances - from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping?vouchers?and life assurance. Find out more about?our?benefits and perksWho are we?We're?the UK's largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.?It's?a big job and?we've?got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed?to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come. Learn more about?our?purpose and valuesWorking at Thames WaterThames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family,?you'll?enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working?arrangements?and excellent benefits.If?you're?looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations,?we'll?be here to support?you every step of the way.Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.?Why choose us Learn more.We're?committed?to being a great, diverse, and inclusive?place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel?supported?throughout therecruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that's extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know,?we're?here to?help and support.When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support?our customers. As part of Team Thames,?you'll?have the opportunity to sign up to support?our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.?It's?also?a great opportunity?to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.